States employ varied measures to confront expected migrant surge as Title 42 ends

As the end of Title 42 approaches, states are implementing varying measures to confront the anticipated surge in migrants entering the United States. The pandemic-era provision that allowed authorities to swiftly turn away migrants encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border is set to end at 11:59 p.m. on May 11.

Florida: Gov. DeSantis signs strongest ‘anti-illegal immigration’ legislation

In response to the imminent expiration of Title 42, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill aimed at addressing the “migrant crisis.” The new law makes it illegal for undocumented migrants to drive within the state.

Additionally, the legislation allocates $12 million to relocate migrants to “sanctuary jurisdictions” and introduces new obstacles for undocumented workers. The bill also requires hospitals to collect and report migrant health care costs, among other provisions.

“In Florida, we will not stand idly by while the federal government abandons its lawful duties to protect our country. The legislation I signed today gives Florida the most ambitious anti-illegal immigration laws in the country,” DeSantis said.

Texas: Gov. Abbott announces next phase of “Operation Lone Star“

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled the next phase of the controversial initiative, which involves the deployment of Texas’ newly established Tactical Border Force along the border with Mexico. The move is intended to “intercept and repel” illegal border crossings.

“The Texas National Guard is loading Blackhawk helicopters and C-130s and deploying specially trained soldiers for the Texas Tactical Border Force, who will be deployed to hotspots all along the border to help intercept and repel large groups of migrants trying to enter Texas illegally,” Abbott said.

New York: Mayor Adams weakens ‘Right-to-Shelter’ rules

New York City is temporarily suspending some of the rules related to its longstanding guarantee of shelter to anyone who needs it as officials struggle to find housing for migrants arriving from the southern border, the New York Times reports.

According to the executive order signed by Adams, the city is suspending rules that require families to be placed in private rooms with bathrooms and kitchens, among other details.

Furthermore, a confidential memo obtained by CBS suggests that the city is considering the closure of large streets to accommodate small shipping container houses, as they anticipate approximately 800 incoming asylum-seekers each day.

Federal government provides aid for migrant efforts

In anticipation of the termination of Title 42, the federal government, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has allocated $332.5 million in funding to support communities across 35 cities in their migrant relief efforts.

Based on federal data, Texas communities have so far received $128 million of the allocated funds, while New York received over $30.5 million. Florida has received approximately $1.5 million from the aid.